The acute effect of oral ethanol intake on gastric myoelectrical activity in healthy volunteers.

Unlabelled: The acute effect of ethanol intake on the upper gastrointestinal system is not clearly known. Animal studies have shown that ethanol inhibited the antral muscle fiber contractions and slow wave activity.

Background/aims: To show the acute effect of oral ethanol intake on gastric myoelectrical activity in healthy volunteers.

Methods: Fourteen healthy male volunteers were included in the study. They were given control solution with test meal and ethanol with test meal on two different days. Electrogastrography recordings were obtained in pre-/postprandial periods.

Results: On the days of ethanol intake, blood alcohol level reached above 80 mg/dl in 10 volunteers. Ethanol intake did not show any significant effect on any of the electrogastrography parameters.

Conclusions: Though reasonable blood alcohol level was achieved and six volunteers experienced upper gastrointestinal system complaints, ethanol had no effect on gastric myoelectrical activity.